How ISO Support to Secure Your Business Video Footage Data

How ISO Support to Secure Your Business Video Footage Data 

In today’s digital-first world, cybersecurity threats are at an all-time high. Data breaches, ransomware attacks, and insider threats put businesses at risk of financial losses, legal penalties, and reputational damage.

To combat these risks, companies need a structured approach to information security—and that’s where ISO/IEC 27001 comes in.

ISO 27001 is a widely acknowledged ISO standard that defines best practices for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS), providing a comprehensive framework to protect business data, manage cyber risks, and ensure compliance with global security regulations.

An ISO 27001 audit of video footage involves verifying the implementation and effectiveness of Annex A.7.4 Physical security monitoring controls, which require organizations to monitor restricted areas using tools like CCTV and alarms to detect and deter unauthorized access. Auditors will review policies, check footage, inspect systems, and interview staff to ensure the organization meets the standard's requirements for protecting information assets.

What ISO 27001 is

·        An international standard for information security management systems (ISMS). 

·        A framework for an ISMS that uses a systematic approach to manage and protect an organization's sensitive data. 

·        A standard that focuses on the "CIA triad": confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. 

·        A way for organizations to demonstrate to customers and regulators that they take information security seriously. 

But how does ISO 27001 help secure your business, and why is it essential in 2025? Let’s explore.

1. Why Cybersecurity is a Top Priority for Businesses

Cyberattacks are becoming more frequent, sophisticated, and costly. Businesses face risks such as:

🔹 Ransomware attacks – Hackers encrypt business data and demand payment.

🔹 Phishing scams – Employees unknowingly share sensitive information.

🔹 Data breaches – Exposing customer and financial data.

🔹 Insider threats – Employees or partners mishandle or leak confidential information.

🔹 Regulatory penalties – Non-compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA leads to legal fines.

ISO 27001 provides a proactive defense against these threats, ensuring data confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

2. What is ISO 27001?

ISO 27001 is an international cybersecurity standard that helps organizations:

✅ Protect sensitive business and customer data from cyber threats.

✅ Identify and manage security risks before they lead to breaches.

✅ Comply with global regulations (GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, SOC 2, etc.).

✅ Implement strong access controls and encryption methods.

✅ Ensure business continuity and disaster recovery planning.

Unlike traditional cybersecurity measures, ISO 27001 is a risk-based framework that focuses on continuous monitoring and improvement of security policies.

3. Key aspects of the standard

·        Scope: 

It applies to all types of information, including digital, paper-based, and cloud-stored data. 

·        Risk management: 

It requires organizations to identify, assess, and treat information security risks in a systematic and cost-effective way. 

·        Compliance: 

It helps organizations comply with legal and regulatory requirements, such as GDPR. 

·        Certification: 

An organization can get certified by undergoing an independent audit to prove its compliance. 

·        Flexibility: 

The standard is technology-neutral and allows organizations to choose controls that are applicable to them from the Annex A controls, which provides a catalog of safeguards. 

4. How ISO 27001 Secures Your Business Data

a) Risk Assessment & Threat Identification

ISO 27001 requires businesses to analyze risks, such as:

🔹 External cyberattacks (hacking, malware, phishing).

🔹 Internal vulnerabilities (employee errors, weak passwords, unauthorized access).

🔹 Third-party risks (vendors, cloud providers, remote access).

Businesses must document, evaluate, and address security threats proactively.

b) Strong Data Protection Policies

ISO 27001 ensures businesses implement:

✔ Access control measures – Restricting sensitive data access to authorized users.

✔ Encryption & data masking – Securing data both in transit and at rest.

✔ Multi-factor authentication (MFA) – Preventing unauthorized logins.

c) Compliance with Global Cybersecurity Regulations

ISO 27001 helps organizations align with key security laws:

📌 GDPR (Europe) – Protects personal data and privacy.

📌 CCPA (California, USA) – Regulates consumer data protection.

📌 HIPAA (Healthcare) – Ensures security of patient records.

📌 PCI-DSS (Payments) – Secures credit card transactions.

By complying with ISO 27001, businesses avoid fines, lawsuits, and data breaches.

d) Employee Cybersecurity Training & Awareness

ISO 27001 requires businesses to:

✔ Train employees on phishing, social engineering, and password security.

✔ Conduct cybersecurity drills and simulated attacks to test readiness.

✔ Establish a culture of security awareness across departments.

e) Incident Response & Business Continuity Planning

ISO 27001 ensures businesses have:

✅ Incident response plans – Quick action against cyberattacks.

✅ Backup & disaster recovery solutions – Avoiding data loss.

✅ Regular cybersecurity audits & vulnerability testing – Preventing security gaps.

By implementing these, businesses can recover quickly from cyber incidents.

5. How to Implement ISO 27001 for Maximum Cybersecurity

Step 1: Conduct a Cyber Risk Assessment

🔍 Identify potential cyber threats and data vulnerabilities.

🔍 Assess network security, cloud storage, and endpoint protection.

Step 2: Develop an Information Security Policy (ISP)

📌 Establish guidelines for password policies, device security, and data sharing.

📌 Implement role-based access controls (RBAC) to limit data access.

Step 3: Secure IT Infrastructure & Cloud Systems

✅ Encrypt sensitive business and customer data.

✅ Use firewalls, intrusion detection, and VPNs for remote work security.

✅ Implement real-time security monitoring tools for threat detection.

Step 4: Train Employees & Conduct Cyber Drills

📚 Provide ongoing cybersecurity awareness training.

📚 Simulate phishing attacks to test employee response.

Step 5: Perform Regular Cybersecurity Audits & Updates

✔ Conduct internal and third-party security audits.

✔ Update security policies based on new cyber threats and trends.

Step 6: Achieve ISO 27001 Certification

📜 Work with an ISO-certified auditor to assess compliance.

📜 Obtain ISO 27001 certification to showcase cybersecurity commitment.

6. The Future of Cybersecurity & ISO 27001

As cyber threats evolve, businesses must stay ahead of hackers and data breaches. Future trends include:

🚀 AI-driven cybersecurity – Using machine learning to detect and stop threats in real-time.

🚀 Zero Trust Security Model – Businesses moving to never trust, always verify frameworks.

🚀 Integration of ISO 27001 with other security standards (ISO 27701 for privacy, SOC 2 for cloud security).

🚀 Cyber insurance becoming essential for risk management.

By adopting ISO 27001 now, businesses can future-proof their cybersecurity strategy.

7. Conclusion: Why ISO 27001 is a Must for Businesses

Cybersecurity is no longer an IT issue—it’s a business survival necessity. Companies that ignore data security risks face:

🚨 Financial losses from cyberattacks and data breaches.

🚨 Legal fines due to non-compliance with global security regulations.

🚨 Loss of customer trust and damage to brand reputation.

On the other hand, ISO 27001-certified businesses gain:

✅ Stronger cybersecurity defenses.

✅ Compliance with global regulations.

✅ A reputation as a trustworthy, security-conscious company.

💡 Ready to secure your business data? Contact us today to implement ISO 27001 and protect your organization from cyber threats! 🔐🚀

An ISO/IEC 27001 audit is a systematic review of an organization's Information Security Management System (ISMS) to ensure it complies with the ISO 27001 standard. This process involves various types of audits, including internal audits for self-assessment, external certification audits to achieve certification, and recurring surveillance audits to maintain it. The audits evaluate the effectiveness of security controls, risk management, and compliance with policies.

ISO/IEC 27001 audits are important because they verify an organization's compliance with international information security standards, build trust with clients and partners, help prevent costly data breaches, and drive continuous improvement of security practices. These audits are crucial for gaining or maintaining certification and demonstrating a robust, proactive approach to managing sensitive data and risks. 

Types of ISO/IEC 27001 audits

✅Internal Audit: 

A mandatory, self-conducted review to check if the ISMS is compliant with the standard and the organization's own requirements. This helps identify gaps and prepare for external audits. 

✅Certification Audit: 

An external audit performed by an accredited certification body to determine if the ISMS is ready for certification. This is a formal process that issues the ISO 27001 certificate if successful. 

✅Surveillance Audit: 

A periodic audit conducted by the certification body after certification to ensure the ISMS continues to function effectively and remains compliant. 

✅Recertification Audit: 

A full recertification audit that occurs every three years to renew the ISO 27001 certificate. 

What an audit involves

📌 Documentation Review: 

Reviewing policies, procedures, and other documentation to ensure they meet the standard. 

📌 Evidence-Based Assessment: 

Checking that the documented processes are being followed in practice and that there is evidence to prove it, such as risk logs and corrective actions. 

📌 Control Effectiveness: 

Evaluating the effectiveness of the security controls in place to protect information assets. 

📌 Risk Management: 

Assessing the organization's risk assessment and treatment processes to ensure they are properly identifying and mitigating risks. 

📌 Management Review: 

Ensuring that management is involved in reviewing the ISMS performance and taking appropriate action. 

Benefits of ISO/IEC 27001 audits

✅ Establishes trust and credibility: 

Certification through a successful audit shows that an organization has implemented best practices for protecting sensitive data, which builds trust with customers, partners, and stakeholders. 

✅ Improves the security framework: 

Audits help an organization systematically manage and reduce security risks by identifying vulnerabilities and ensuring that controls are effective. 

✅ Ensures compliance: 

Regular audits ensure ongoing compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, such as GDPR, which helps organizations avoid fines and penalties. 

✅ Drives business growth: 

Achieving certification can provide a competitive advantage, open up new markets, and fulfill contractual requirements that mandate ISO 27001 compliance for doing business. 

✅ Mitigates costs: 

By preventing security incidents, audits help reduce the costs associated with data breaches, business disruptions, and non-compliance fines. 

✅ Promotes continuous improvement: 

Audits assess the effectiveness of security controls and identify opportunities for improvement, ensuring the Information Security Management System (ISMS) remains strong and resilient over time. 

How to audit video footage for ISO 27001

✅ Review documentation: 

Check that the organization has a formal policy for video surveillance and has documented the restricted areas that are being monitored.

✅ Check surveillance tools: 

Verify that the surveillance tools, such as CCTV cameras, are properly installed and functioning.

✅ Inspect physical security controls: 

Look for and confirm the presence of detectors and alarms, and check that they are configured correctly.

✅ Confirm access controls: 

Ensure that video footage is only accessible to authorized personnel and is protected against unauthorized viewing or modification.

✅ Check retention policies: 

Review the organization's policies for retaining and securely disposing of video footage.

✅ Review internal processes: 

Examine how the organization handles incidents detected via video footage and review any logs or reports of such incidents. 

During the audit, an auditor will typically review:

✅ Physical security controls: 

The auditor will verify the effective implementation of controls for the CCTV system, which can include aspects like data handling, storage, access control, and monitoring. 

✅ Risk management: 

The auditor will assess if the risks associated with the CCTV system have been continuously reviewed and if the risk treatment plans are still relevant and effective. 

✅ Incident management: 

They will check if any security incidents involving the CCTV system have occurred and if the organization has followed its incident response procedures. 

✅ Compliance with ISO 27001 requirements: 

The auditor will ensure that the CCTV system is still compliant with the relevant clauses of the ISO 27001 standard, especially the physical security controls outlined in Annex A. 

✅ Documentation and procedures: 

The audit will include a review of the documentation related to the CCTV system, such as policies, procedures, and logs, to ensure they are up-to-date and reflect current practices. 

IMS Auditor Qualifications:

✅An educational background in IT or a related field, professional experience in information security, and specific training and certification, most commonly the ISO 27001 Lead Auditor certification. This certification proves your ability to plan, conduct, and report on ISMS audits, aligning with international standards like ISO 19011. If certification from QCI-IRCA will get extra value.

✅A minimum of 2-5 years of experience in Video information security, IT compliance, or risk management is often required. Experience with IT infrastructure or cybersecurity controls is highly advantageous.

✅You should have knowledge of the ISMS framework, including risk assessment, risk treatment, and the Statement of Applicability (SoA). You must also be familiar with auditing principles and techniques, as defined in ISO 19011.

About Author:

Dr. Arindam Bhadra is a Security consultant  & ISO Auditor based in Kolkata, India, with over 20 years of experience in Security systems. He’s currently founding director of SSA Integrate. He working on CCTV Security awareness, training, consultancy & Audit in same field. He is a Lead Auditor of ISO 27001. He is Member of FSAI, NFPA, Conformity Assessment Society (CAS) etc.

He Audit for

1. Risk Assessment Audit.
2. Information System Audit
3. Operational Audit
4. Compliance Audit
5. ISO 9001: 2015 QMS Audit
6. ISO 14001: 2015 EMS Audit
7. ISO 27001: 2022 ISMS Audit
8. Security & Cyber Security Assessment
9. CCTV Security Audit / Video Surveillance System Audit
10. Access Control System Audit
11. Intrusion Detection Alarm System Audit
12. BMS Audit.

Acceptance Test Procedure & Checklist for Cabinets

Acceptance Test Procedure & Checklist for Marshalling Cabinets 

A marshalling cabinet is an electrical enclosure used in industrial control systems to organize and manage wiring between field instruments and a control system like a BMS, SCADA, PLC, DCS. It acts as a central hub for grouping different types of inputs/outputs (I/O) and cross-wiring them, which simplifies maintenance, improves safety, and reduces installation time.

Key functions and purpose

·        Purpose:

To organize, protect, and terminate field wiring before connecting to the control system's I/O cards. It simplifies the wiring process and makes maintenance and troubleshooting easier.

·        Function

Signal routing: Uses "cross-wiring" to re-route signals from multi-core field cables to the correct Input/Output (I/O) modules based on signal type (analog or digital) and I/O assignments.

Signal grouping: It groups different types of signals, such as analog input, analog output, digital input, and digital output. 

Signal conditioning: Can contain signal isolators and conditioners to prepare signals for the control system.
Protection: Includes safety components like relays, fuses, circuit breakers, and surge protection.

·        Common components

Terminal blocks, relays, fuses, power supplies, signal isolators, wiring ducts, and surge protection devices.

·        Signals and voltage

Handles various industrial process signals, such as 4–20 mA, as well as digital inputs and outputs. The voltage can vary depending on the specific application.

·        Wiring organization: 

It provides a clean, organized point for all the field wiring to be terminated and connected. 

·        Typical location

Found in industrial facilities like power plants, refineries, and chemical plants, often situated in a control room or instrument technical room.

·        Cross-wiring: 

It allows field wiring signals to be cross-wired, meaning they are routed to the correct terminal on the control system's I/O module, even if the physical and logical connections are different. 

·        Simplified maintenance: 

By providing a single, organized point of contact, it makes it much easier for maintenance personnel to identify and troubleshoot issues without having to access the control system itself. 

·        Safety: 

It can include safety features like fuses and signal isolators, which protect the control system and personnel. 

·        Flexibility and expansion: 

The organized structure makes it easier to add or change connections for future system expansions and upgrades. 

The main goal of the inspection involves verifying that the marshalling cabinet satisfies project requirements as well as both industrial standards and operational performance specifications. All electrical and communication connections can operate according to design while on-site commissioning duration decreases thanks to this procedure.

Scope of the inspection Procedure for Marshalling Cabinet

This procedure defines inspection and testing standards for marshalling cabinets occurring during equipment manufacturing at manufacturer’s facilities. It includes:

·        Visual inspection

·        Mechanical verification

·        The inspections involve tests for both electrical continuity and insulation resistance.

·        Functional testing

·        Documentation verification

Inspection Procedure – Reference Standards

·        IEC 61439 – Low Voltage Switchgear and Controlgear Assemblies

·        IEC 60204 – Safety of Machinery – Electrical Equipment

·        IEEE Std. 1100 – Powering and Grounding Electronic Equipment

·        Customer project specifications

Responsibilities of Team Involved in Marshalling Cabinet FAT Procedure

·        The manufacturer must fulfill technical requirements through testing capabilities as part of their responsibilities.

·        End users must witness the FAT procedure to check compliance of the system.

·        Third-Party Inspector (if applicable): Ensures adherence to standards and specifications.

Required Tools and Equipment for Marshalling Cabinet FAT Procedure

·        Digital Multimeter

·        Insulation resistance tester (Megger)

·        Earth continuity tester

·        Function generator (for signal simulation)

·        Power supply (as per system voltage requirements)

·        Communication testing tools (as applicable)

·        Standard inspection checklist

·        Thermal imaging camera (for heat dissipation checks)

·        Users need a torque wrench to confirm proper tightening of terminals.

Step by Step Inspection Procedure for Marshalling Cabinet

Step 1: Visual Inspection

·        Check that the cabinet has proper structure integrity along with correct door alignment and appropriate ventilation openings.

·        The project requirements must be satisfied by the selected paint and its surface finish.

·        Confirm that all nameplates and identification labels as well as terminal markings remain in place.

·        All components need to have their correct grounding and bonding connections verified.

·        Check that internal components match the specifications of approved drawings.

·        Verify that installed converters contain all required signal elements including current to voltage converters and voltage to current converters as well as temperature signal converters.

·        Technical team members must establish the physical existence and correct placement of temperature transmitters alongside PLC modules together with power supply units, interface modules and communication gateways.

·        Check that ventilation fans remain in correct positions with working functionality.

·        Perform a check to verify both the presence of surge protection devices and their functional status.

·        Signal wires should be clearly separated from power cables through correct wiring practices.

Step 2: Mechanical Inspection

·        Check that all doors and panels and locking mechanisms move with normal operation.

·        Examine the integrity of cable entry points and gland plate components.

·        The inspector needs to examine the equipment for components that are loose and test for edges that are sharp or detect any problems with the assembly process.

·        The system should have operational ventilation systems with effective heat dissipation mechanisms.

Step 3: Electrical Inspection

·        Check that the electrical wiring matches the approved schematics together with the termination schedules.

·        The installation of cables and wire terminations must follow established industry protocols.

·        You must examine terminal tightness with a torque wrench.

·        The inspector must check whether all required ferrules and tags and cable markers are present.

·        Inspection must confirm that interface modules and power supplies along with converters have their grounding connections set correctly.

·        Examine the condition of fuses together with MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers) while assessing power distribution integrity.

·        Ensure power supply redundancy along with automated power failover system functionality delivers the required specifications.

Step 4: Continuity and Insulation Resistance Tests

·        Examine all wiring connections with the help of a multimeter during continuity tests.

·        Perform insulation tests with a megohmmeter set to apply 500V or 1000V for control circuits and 250V for communication circuits and 5kV for high-voltage circuits after applicable.

·        Check the integrity of grounding systems while measuring earth resistance values.

·        Check shield continuity for signal cables.

Step 5: Functional Testing

·        After applying power to the cabinet you should check voltage levels throughout different locations.

·        Test modules and interface modules by providing simulated signals that ensure their correct operation as well as the temperature transmitters and PLC modules.

·        Perform validation of control communication standards which include Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP/IP, Profibus DP, Foundation Fieldbus and Ethernet/IP and other protocols.

·        Check alarm and trip circuits for correct functionality.

·        Conduct verification of the system safety features by analyzing the interlocking and fail-safe mechanisms.

·        The system requires testing of power supply redundancy alongside interface module and communication gateway redundancy.

·        Check status LEDs and indicators for proper operation.

·        Test the signal isolators and converters to ensure they operate correctly.

Step 6: Communication and Signal Testing

·        Test how signals transmitted from the marshalling cabinet reach the control system.

·        The function generator together with appropriate software tools must be utilized to test analog and digital I/O signals.

·        Signal quality tests should include proofs of accuracy as well as response time measurements.

·        Test the signal conversion mechanism installed in the marshalling cabinet to verify proper operations between 4-20mA and 1-5V and RTD to 4-20mA conversion types.

·        Each signal should undergo a complete loop testing procedure.

Step 7: Power-Up and Load Test (If Required)

·        Test the cabinet operation through simulated load conditions to check for operational stability while power is active.

·        Thermal imaging cameras should be used to detect cabinet temperatures that rise above normal levels.

·        Examine the equipment by listening for abnormal noises and inspecting for fan vibrations or any abnormal device behavior.

·        Check that the system operates within specified load parameters while verifying redundancy in power supply systems.

·        Check the power consumption rates to verify they meet design requirements.

·        Throughout testing verify that each component of the cooling system operates correctly including ventilation fan functionality.

Step 8: Final Inspection and Documentation Verification

·        An inspector must examine test documentation and ensure that all test results satisfy the FAT specifications.

·        Compare as-built documentation with physical components to identify any discrepancies that need correction.

·        All recorded deviations should undergo documentation and require corrective measures for necessary adjustments.

·        Field technicians need to confirm that wiring schematics and Bill of Materials (BOM) list match the actual installed components together with termination drawings.

·        Stakeholders who include customer representatives must provide their authorization before giving their final approval.

Step 9: Acceptance Criteria

·        All marshalling cabinets must fulfill their design requirements defined in the approved drawings and specifications.

·        All electrical wiring needs to successfully complete tests for insulation resistance and continuity checks.

·        All functional testing must demonstrate component functionality.

·        Physical examination must reveal no signs of defects and installation errors together with an absence of damages.

·        The complete operation of signal converters along with interface modules and temperature transmitters should be ensured.

·        All technical documentation needs to remain complete and precise alongside its regular updating.

Step 10: Test Report and Sign-Off 

A comprehensive FAT Completion Report must be generated with documentation signatures at end of successful FAT evaluation. including:

·        Inspection checklists

·        Test data and results

·        Photographic evidence (if required)

·        The document contains all nonconforming items together with their corrective measures.

·        Measuring instruments which participated in the FAT should have their calibration certificates available.

·        Signatures from responsible parties (Manufacturer, Customer, Inspector)

Common Mistakes in Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Loop Checking

The successful execution of a FAT minimizes system problems during commissioning thus enabling a seamless site installation process. The stakeholders need to perform thorough inspections and tests on the marshalling cabinet to confirm its reliability and functionality prior to deployment.

Multiple common errors occur during Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and site loop checking activities such that they trigger delays and system errors and malfunctions. The following list includes frequent mistakes identified during activities and FAT and site loop checks.

1.   Incorrect Cable Selection: Use of the wrong type of multi-pair/multi-core cables (e.g., individual shield vs. overall shield).

2.   The terminal points contain improper wire connections which lead to loose wiring.

3.   The incorrect application of ferrules, lugs and terminations leads to improper Lugging and Termination.

4.   Incorrect Cable Glands: Improper selection or installation of cable glands.

5.   Wiring mistakes occur when junction boxes and marshalling cabinets receive improper connections.

6.   A frequent error occurs when common and signal cables are mistakenly interchanged under MCC Interface termination procedures.

7.   Polarity Reversal in Analog Signals Occurs Due to Incorrect Wiring of Signals.

8.   The incorrect installation of grounding and shielding stands as a major error in marshalling cabinets.

9.   The incorrect setup of field instruments includes wrong configuration of upper/lower range settings and square root calculations together with offsets.

10.Control System Channel Misconfiguration occurs when users select improper active/passive/3-wire signal configuration settings.

11.The configuration of I/O modules can fail because users set wrong range parameters or match tags incorrectly.

12.Fuse Issues: Blown fuse, missing fuse, improper fuse rating, or open terminals.

13.Technical Failures Arise from Incorrect Digital Signal Contacts When Users Choose Between Normal Open or Normal Closed (NO/NC) Contacts.

14.Digital Output Signal errors arise from the improper selection of dry contacts instead of wet ones.

15.The presence of unwanted voltage inside dry contacts represents a Interrogation Voltage issue.

16.Incorrect component selection and improper connections cause failures in relays as well as isolators and barriers.

17.Incorrect Power Supply Module Sizing: Improper power module or MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) rating.

18.The use of wires with improper colors or sizes which fail to match requirements constitutes non-compliance in internal wiring.

19.External Power Supply Oversight: Lack of consideration for external power in 4-wire instruments.

20.The identification of these typical mistakes in both FAT and site loop testing leads to better system reliability and faster troubleshooting results.